Lowcountry

My Love Letter to Charleston, South Carolina

April 13, 2023 by 3 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

My Dearest Charleston,

I write to you now, my heart overflowing with love and admiration. From the moment I first set foot on your streets, I knew that you were a special place.

Your beauty is unmatched – from the historic homes that line your cobblestone streets to the Spanish moss that hangs from your trees, you are a true masterpiece of architecture and nature.

But it is not just your physical beauty that has captured my heart. It is the spirit of your people, the warmth of your hospitality, and the rich history that pervades every corner of your city.

I am in awe of the way that you have persevered through so much – from the devastation of hurricanes to the trials of slavery and segregation. Your strength and resilience are truly inspiring.

And oh, the food! Your culinary offerings are second to none – from the fresh seafood to the biscuits and grits, every bite is a taste of heaven.

But most of all, I love the way that you make me feel. Whenever I am with you, I am filled with a sense of peace and contentment. Your charm and grace are unparalleled, and I am honored to know you.

Charleston, you are a treasure, a gift to all who know you. I promise to cherish you always and to never take for granted the many blessings that you have bestowed upon me.

Forever and always,

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Lowcountry

Moxy Charleston Grand Opening

April 12, 2023 by 0 Comments
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TMGOC VENTURES CELEBRATES HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED MOXY CHARLESTON OPENING

CHARLESTON, S.C. (APRIL 11, 2023) – TMGOC Ventures, a partnership between The Montford Group. and Opterra Capital, recently celebrated the opening of its latest project, the highly-anticipated Moxy Charleston Downtown, located at 547 Meeting Street.

Moxy Charleston, which welcomed its inaugural guests on Wednesday, April 5, offers a stylish and high-energy hospitality experience, featuring vibrant public spaces and unobstructed views of the Ravenel Bridge. The property greets locals and travelers alike with an expansive 7,000 square foot indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge featuring a sleek 10-seat rooftop bar, a ground floor Starbucks, and a performance stage featuring a packed roster of local DJs and musicians. 

The TMGOC team broke ground on the property in May 2021, and its completion makes it the 13th fully-operational hotel property in the joint-venture’s growing portfolio. 

Moxy is the first of four downtown Charleston hotel projects in the works for TMGOC Ventures, with the Thompson, the Montford Hotel and the Charlestonian coming soon. A Moxy Charlotte location is also under construction by TMGOC. 

“Moxy Charleston was a labor of love in the truest sense of the term, and we couldn’t be prouder of the finished product,” The Montford Group. Founder and CEO Sunju Patel said. “Each and every corner of this property was thoughtfully designed to provide the most unique and impactful experience possible, and we hope our guests feel that when they walk through our doors.”

“There’s no question that Moxy is a hospitality experience unlike any other in Charleston, and it’s been a real joy to help bring this unique concept to life,” Opterra Capital Founder and CEO Glenn Alba said. “With several more hotel projects in the pipeline for the downtown area, Charleston has certainly not seen the last of TMGOC.” 

Moxy Charleston, built by Construction Professionals, Inc., was designed by Studio MCG and LS3P, and features interiors by Streetsense. It is managed by Aimbridge Hospitality as part of Marriott’s Bonvoy portfolio. 

ABOUT TMGOC VENTURES 

TMGOC Ventures is a real estate private equity and development company specializing in the hospitality and multifamily sectors. A joint venture between The Montford Group and Opterra Capital, TMGOC is focused on acquiring and developing a robust hotel and residential portfolio that creates value for investors, partners, and communities. To date, TMGOC’s portfolio consists of $886 million in existing and pipeline investments comprising 2,626 hotel keys, 335 residential units and 40,000 SF of office and retail across the United States, Caribbean, Canada, and Western Europe.

ABOUT THE MONTFORD GROUP. 

The Montford Group. is a real estate investment and development company with more than 50 years of combined experience in real estate investments, acquisitions, and dispositions along with horizontal and vertical development. Helmed by seasoned entrepreneurs Sunju Patel and Jessica Reid, The Montford Group works to curate an unrivaled collection of unique properties and experiences for those who believe that home and hospitality shouldn’t be rare finds, but common ground. The Montford Group. has developed approximately 190,000 SF of residential properties, 275,000 SF of retail space, 500,000 SF of industrial space, 225,000 SF of office space and 90,000 SF of medical office and hospital space. For more information, please visit https://montfordgroup.com.

ABOUT OPTERRA CAPITAL, LLC 

Opterra Capital is a Boca Raton, Florida-based real estate investment sponsor and operating partner, capital markets advisor, and asset manager with significant experience in all sectors of commercial real estate. Founded by Glenn Alba, a former Managing Director at Blackstone for 20 years, Opterra Capital consists of five industry professional principals with more than 80 years of experience in hotel ownership, asset management and development. Opterra Capital seeks to leverage this expertise towards value-add acquisitions and proactive investment management to deliver attractive, risk-adjusted returns. For more information, please visit http://www.opterracapital.com.

Lowcountry

Ribbon Cutting: Catnip and Coffee – North Charleston’s first cat cafe – April 18, 2023

April 11, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Join North Charleston next week to welcome Catnip and Coffee to the area! 

Catnip and Coffee will be the first Catfé in North Charleston!!

A place where adoptable cats, coffee☕, tea, wine, beer, & charcuterie come together.

When: April 18, 2023 at 10:00 am
Where: Catnip and Coffee, 3414 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405

Click to RSVP to Attend

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Official Website

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Lowcountry

We are Sharing Hope SC and MUSC display 512 blue pinwheels for the number of lives saved in SC in 2022 from organ donor heroes

April 11, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Have you noticed these blue pinwheels in the Greenway at MUSC Health in downtown Charleston? They’ll be up throughout April for #NationalDonateLifeMonth and represent the 512 lives saved by South Carolina organ donor heroes in 2022.

Sharing Hope SC team members gathered with MUSC’s Transplant Center team to organize the pinwheel installation. As South Carolina’s only full organ transplant center, MUSC Transplant Center works closely with SHSC to facilitate the gift of life. Our teams work in partnership to recover transplantable organs from South Carolinians to South Carolinians.

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Lowcountry

5 Great Charleston, South Carolina Resources for Mental Health Awareness and Support

April 10, 2023 by 1 Comment
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Charleston, SC has a number of great resources for mental health. Here are some organizations that you may find helpful:

  1. MUSC Health: The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is a well-respected academic medical center that provides mental health services, including psychiatry, psychology, and counseling.
  2. Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center: The Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of mental health services, including counseling, case management, and medication management.
  3. Coastal Carolina Neuropsychiatric Center: The Coastal Carolina Neuropsychiatric Center provides mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults. They offer psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy services.
  4. NAMI Charleston Area: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grassroots organization that provides education, advocacy, and support to individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI Charleston Area offers support groups and educational programs for those with mental illness and their loved ones.
  5. Roper St. Francis Behavioral Health Services: Roper St. Francis Behavioral Health Services is a comprehensive mental health center that offers a variety of services, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy services.

These are just a few of the many mental health resources available in Charleston, SC. It’s important to find a resource that meets your specific needs and preferences.

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Lowcountry

From Earrings to Baked Goods, 6 Black-Owned Charleston, SC Businesses You Should Check Out

April 9, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Here are some of the best Black-owned businesses in Charleston, SC:

  1. Gullah Geechee Tours – Gullah Geechee Tours offers a one-of-a-kind experience for locals, tourists, and anyone interested in true slave history. There is no other tour offered in the city of Charleston that comes close to giving such a unique and genuine experience about the city’s history.
  2. Hannibal’s Kitchen – Another popular soul food spot, Hannibal’s Kitchen offers hearty portions of comfort food classics like pork chops, fried fish, and yams.
  3. The Tiny Tassel – This jewelry and accessories boutique features colorful, handmade tassel earrings and other fun statement pieces. The Tiny Tassel is your one-stop shop for handmade earrings, bracelets, necklaces, garments, and party goods. Happiness is the core value of The Tiny Tassel, so each carefully curated piece is created with those special, everyday moments in mind.
  4. The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery – This cafe and bakery offers breakfast and lunch dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, as well as a variety of baked goods. The veggie-heavy menu will guide you to a bold breakfast, intriguing treats, bright and beautiful salads and strong coffee to boot– all designed to nourish and excite, thoughtfully created right here.
  5. KJ Kearney’s Charleston Black Food Fridays – Black Food Fridays is a James Beard Award-nominated social media advocacy initiative that encourages everyone who eats food to support Black-owned restaurants each and every Friday. Since launching in April 2020, Black Food Fridays has grown organically to reach an audience of over 250,000 people across social media.
  6. Swank Desserts  – The idea for Swank came from a business plan project! The concept needed to fill a gap in the market and solve a problem, for us that was offering more creative dessert options! After launching in 2015 and operating as an online shop, Swank’s first brick and mortar location opened at the end of 2019 in Downtown Summerville. With the versatility to create savory and sweet dishes Danetra incorporates the techniques she has learned from her experience with savory food and applies them to her desserts. She believes in utilizing the best ingredients in her desserts, ensuring her customers that any product they purchase from her will taste just as good as they look!

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The Tiny Tassel

Swank Desserts

Lowcountry

Mount Pleasant designated as the Lowcountry’s first “Certified” Autism Friendly Town

April 8, 2023 by 0 Comments
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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – The Town of Mount Pleasant has been designated the Lowcountry’s first “certified” Autism Friendly Town by Just Bee, a local nonprofit created to connect neurodivergent families with their communities.  

In conjunction with Just Bee, the Town is committed to further educating citizens on the signs, symptoms, and best practices for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Mount Pleasant businesses have an opportunity to become Autism friendly designated businesses by completing a training seminar created by Just Bee. Once completed, a seal depicting the Just Bee logo can be placed in the window of the business to alert neurodivergent community members and families that it is considered a “safe space.”

As part of the Town’s dedication to openly advocating for and welcoming individuals diagnosed with ASD, Mayor Will Haynie has proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month. 

In addition to the proclamation, Mount Pleasant Town Hall will light up blue throughout the month of April to further promote autism awareness. 

Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder ranging from mild to severe. Current statistics show 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism. 

For more information about ASD, Just Bee, and becoming an Autism friendly certified business, visit JustBeeTheChange.com.

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Lowcountry

What is the average monthly temperature and rainfall in Charleston, South Carolina

April 7, 2023 by 3 Comments
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Charleston, South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average temperature in Charleston ranges from a high of around 90°F (32°C) in the summer months to a low of around 50°F (10°C) in the winter months.

In terms of rainfall, Charleston receives an average of around 52 inches (1,320 mm) of precipitation per year, with the majority falling in the summer months. The wettest months are typically July and August, while the driest months are usually October and November.

Here is a breakdown of the monthly average temperature and precipitation in Charleston:

  • January: Average high of 59°F (15°C), average low of 38°F (3°C), average rainfall of 3.4 inches (86 mm)
  • February: Average high of 62°F (17°C), average low of 41°F (5°C), average rainfall of 3.4 inches (86 mm)
  • March: Average high of 68°F (20°C), average low of 47°F (8°C), average rainfall of 4.0 inches (102 mm)
  • April: Average high of 75°F (24°C), average low of 54°F (12°C), average rainfall of 2.8 inches (71 mm)
  • May: Average high of 82°F (28°C), average low of 63°F (17°C), average rainfall of 3.5 inches (89 mm)
  • June: Average high of 87°F (31°C), average low of 70°F (21°C), average rainfall of 5.3 inches (135 mm)
  • July: Average high of 90°F (32°C), average low of 74°F (23°C), average rainfall of 6.1 inches (155 mm)
  • August: Average high of 89°F (32°C), average low of 74°F (23°C), average rainfall of 6.4 inches (163 mm)
  • September: Average high of 85°F (29°C), average low of 68°F (20°C), average rainfall of 5.3 inches (135 mm)
  • October: Average high of 77°F (25°C), average low of 57°F (14°C), average rainfall of 3.5 inches (89 mm)
  • November: Average high of 70°F (21°C), average low of 48°F (9°C), average rainfall of 2.7 inches (69 mm)
  • December: Average high of 62°F (17°C), average low of 41°F (5°C), average rainfall of 3.1 inches (79 mm)

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